A global celebration of chess
From July 12 to 25, 2025, the Biel Chess Festival returns for its 58th edition, kicking off with a simultaneous exhibition prologue on July 11. A vibrant blend of sport, culture, and international camaraderie, this iconic event offers a diverse and exciting program with no fewer than 16 tournaments:
- five classical opens
- seven one-day tournaments
- the prestigious chess triathlons (Masters and Challengers), with their respective ACC960 tiebreak tournaments
This video course provides a comprehensive and practical White repertoire in the Ruy Lopez! Through instructive model games and in-depth theoretical explanations, you will learn how to confidently handle both main lines and sidelines.
Free video sample: Introduction
Free video sample: Overview
Free video sample: Chigorin: 9…Na5 10.Bc2 c5 11.d4 Nd7/cxd4
Players of all ages and skill levels, from amateurs to grandmasters, including those with disabilities, are warmly welcomed. With 45 nations represented, including a growing number of Chinese players and, for the first time, participants from Mali, Biel solidifies its status as a must-attend event in the global chess community.
GM Abhimanyu Mishra giving a simultaneous exhibition in 2024
Chess Triathlons: Masters & Challengers
Continuing last year’s innovation, the festival features two invitational tournaments: the Masters and Challengers, each with six players. True to Biel’s unique format, now inspiring events worldwide, the chess triathlon combines three time controls – classical, rapid and blitz -with the winner determined by cumulative points.
In case of a tie, a Freestyle Chess (a.k.a. Chess960) opening tournament, supported by the Accentus Foundation, serves as the tiebreaker. Played in rapid format with randomized yet symmetrical starting positions, this increasingly popular variant promises thrilling battles where strategy and creativity collide.
Chess without borders: A part of FIDE’s Year of Social Chess
As part of FIDE’s “Year of Social Chess”, the Biel Festival celebrates chess’ power to unite people across all divides. We are honoured to welcome Alessandro Marcenaro, a 19-year-old player who has been tetraplegic since a sports accident at age 12.
Accompanied by his father, who executes his moves, Alessandro embodies the passion and resilience at the heart of chess.
Additionally, Lutz Krajinski, a chess player, avid cyclist, and pilgrim on two wheels, showcases his digital artwork, created with a single finger due to his disability. Displayed at the Biel Congress Center alongside watercolors by artist Nicola Gerardi, inspired by the chess world, these exhibitions add a rich cultural dimension, highlighting how chess connects art, sport, and humanity.
A diverse array of tournaments
One-Day tournaments (7+1*):
- July 11: Simultaneous exhibition against German GM Frederik Svane – a rare chance to challenge a grandmaster!
- July 12: Swiss Freestyle Chess Rapid Championship, 7 rounds at 15’ +5’’.
- July 13: Rapid tournament, 9 rounds at 15’ +5’’.
- July 18: Biel Hospital Center Blitz U20, 6 knockout rounds at 3’ +2’’. This new, free, fast-paced tournament spotlights up to 64 young talents in thrilling head-to-head matches.
- July 19: VINETUM tournament, free for young beginners (U18), 7 rounds at 10’ +10’’. A parallel tournament for accompanying adults takes place in the afternoon.
- July 20: Blitz tournament, 13 rounds at 3’ +2’’.
- July 20: Solving Contest, a novel event testing logic and creativity.
Classical open tournaments:
- Afternoon (rounds start at 2 p.m., alongside triathlons):
- July 14–24: Masters Tournament (Elo > 1899), 10 rounds at 100’ + 30’ +30’’.
- July 15–24: Amateurs Tournament (Elo < 2000), 9 rounds at 90’ + 30’ +30’’.
- Morning (rounds start at 10 a.m.):
- July 14–20: Freestyle (960) Tournament, 7 rounds at 60’ +30’’.
- July 21–25: Week-Long Tournament 1 (Elo < 1800), 5 rounds at 60’ +30’’.
- July 21–25: Week-Long Tournament 2 (Elo > 1799), 5 rounds at 60’ +30’’.
New for 2025: A Freestyle Chess tournament with classical time controls for even deeper strategic play!
Triathlons’ participants
Masters
GM Vladimir Fedoseev (Slovenia)
FRITZ 20 is more than just a chess engine – it is a training revolution for ambitious players and professionals. Whether you are taking your first steps into the world of serious chess training, or already playing at tournament level, FRITZ 20 will help you train more efficiently, intelligently and individually than ever before.
Born on February 16, 1995, in Saint Petersburg
Elo std: 2739
Rapid: 2740
Blitz: 2746
GMT: –
MTO: 2022 (7th, 3rd ex-aequo)
Renowned for his aggressive playing style and ability to rapidly analyze complex positions, Vladimir Fedoseev has not only recaptured but surpassed his exceptional 2017 form. Currently ranked world No. 17, he gained an impressive 54 Elo points in just one year. The chess triathlon format suits him perfectly, as evidenced by his commanding victory at the Superbet Poland Rapid & Blitz this year. A win at the Biel Masters could earn him crucial points for the 2025 FIDE Circuit, where the champion secures automatic qualification for the 2026 Candidates Tournament
GM Aravindh Chithambaram (India)
Born on September 11, 1999, in Thirunagar
Elo std: 2724
Rapid: 2576
Blitz: 2611
GMT: –
MTO: 2021 (28th), 2018 (34th), 2017 (6th, 3rd ex-aequo), 2016 (3rd)
Known for his incisive style and resilience, Aravindh Chithambaram stands as yet another shining representative of India’s rising chess generation. His recent triumphs in Prague and Chennai – which propelled him to 11th in the world rankings – have firmly established him as a serious contender on the international stage. While his ascent to the top-tier came later than some of his compatriots, it fully validates the prophecy of his mentor, the legendary Ramesh: “The greatest talent since Vishy Anand”.
GM Volodar Murzin (Russia)
Born on July 18, 2006, in Nizhny Tagil
Elo std: 2671
Rapid: 2644
Blitz: 2669
GMT: –
MTO: –
Volodar has developed an electric and uncompromising playing style, defined by razor-sharp tactical intelligence. Despite his youth, he has forged an unshakable resilience—first enduring the trauma of an abusive father, then facing a lack of support from the Russian Federation, which disapproves of his and his coach, GM Kobalia’s, critical stance on the geopolitical situation. At just 18 years old, the newly crowned World Rapid Champion is now determined to take a decisive step toward the elite at the Biel Festival!
GM Frederik Svane (Germany)
Born on January 21, 2004, in Lübeck
Elo std: 2659
Rapid: 2487
Blitz: 2553
GMT: –
MTO: –
Frederik employs a sharp and aggressive style, combining keen tactical intuition with a decidedly offensive temperament. His games often culminate in explosive endgames. His resounding victory over Matthias Blübaum in the 2021 Kader Challenge showcased the full extent of his potential. While he hasn’t yet crossed the 2700 Elo threshold, his rapid progress and calculated boldness suggest an imminent rise to the world elite – following in the footsteps of his illustrious compatriot, Vincent Keymer!
GM Radoslaw Wojtaszek (Poland)
Born on January 13, 1987, in Elbląg
Elo std: 2651
Rapid: 2657
Blitz: 2610
GMT: 2020 (winner), 2015 (2nd), 2014 (2nd)
MTO: –
Wojtaszek’s style is known for its theoretical depth and versatility, refined through his work as Anand’s second. His wins against Carlsen, Caruana, Nakamura and others, along with his sustained presence at the elite level, highlight his skill. His potential remains evident, reinforced by his recent work as Gukesh’s second during the 2024 World Championship. At 37, the Polish player hasn’t made his final move in the Triathlon – which he previously won in 2020 – though he hasn’t yet had the opportunity to defend his title.
GM Saleh Salem (United Arab Emirates)
In this insightful video course, Grandmaster David Navara shares practical advice on when to calculate deeply in a position — and just as importantly, when not to.
Free sample video: Introduction
Free sample video: Invisible moves
Born on January 4, 1993, in Sharjah
Elo std: 2627
Rapid: 2637
Blitz: 2644
GMT: 2024 (Challengers, winner), 2022 (5th)
MTO: 2021 (winner), 2019 (8th), 2018 (5th), 2017 (5th), 2016 (5th), 2013 (9th), 2011, 2009
With his aggressive and tactical playing style, thriving in rapid and blitz formats where his quick decision-making shines, Salem hopes to make his opponents tremble in this Masters, which he fully earned after his stunning victory in last year’s Challengers. Moreover, the student of Ivan Sokolov since 2013 will benefit from his triathlon experience, as this will be his third appearance after 2022 (following his 2021 MTO win) and 2024.
Challengers
GM David Navara (Czech Republic)
Born on March 27, 1985, in Prague
Elo std: 2662
Rapid: 2621
Blitz: 2646
GMT: 2023 (3rd), 2018 (5th), 2017 (8th), 2015 (4th)
MTO: –
Navara’s style, as combative as it is uncompromising, regularly produces thrilling games. His legendary sportsmanship has made him one of the most beloved players on the circuit. We’re delighted to welcome him back to Biel – the man who humbly sums up his philosophy: “I’m no genius like Carlsen or Kasparov, just a passionate player who loves hard work and beautiful chess”. This year, however, he’ll carry the weight of expectations as the undisputed frontrunner in the Challengers tournament.
GM Daniel Dardha Belgium
Born on October 1, 2005, in Mortsel
Elo std: 2627
Rapid: 2580
Blitz: 2592
GMT: –
MTO: –
Dardha’s playing style blends dynamism and unpredictability with razor-sharp tactical creativity and resilience—honed since childhood through his father’s rigorous training and invaluable advice from GM Ivan Sokolov. At just 19, the 2024 European Vice-Champion’s trajectory suggests he’s poised to challenge the world elite. A triumph in the Challengers would grant him a golden ticket to next year’s Masters: the perfect stage to cement his status as a rising star!
GM Nikolas Theodorou (Greece)
Born on September 17, 2000, in Athens
Elo std: 2625
Rapid: 2559
Blitz: 2549
GMT: –
MTO: –
Theodorou has mastered the delicate alchemy between tactical instinct and positional rigor, as demonstrated by his stunning victory against Caruana at the recent US Chess Masters. A key architect of Greek chess’ revival and now a rising force in the US, despite juggling advanced university studies with undiminished competitive ambitions, the young Cretan might well become the breakout star of the 2025 Challengers.
GM Aram Hakobyan (Armenia)
Born on April 1, 2001, in Yerevan
Elo std: 2621
Rapid: 2535
Blitz: 2557
GMT: –
MTO: –
Hakobyan’s playing style blends tactical finesse with positional mastery, honed through years of youth competitions and elite training. After early successes – including medals at the World and European Junior Championships – he enrolled in Webster University to balance his chess career with a degree in management. As a protégé of Quang Liem Le, this year presents him with the opportunity to take a major leap forward in his career, following in the footsteps of the undisputed champion of Biel’s Chess Triathlon format!
GM Ma Qun (China)
Born on November 9, 1991, in Shandong
Elo std: 2615
Rapid: 2617
Blitz: 2614
GMT: –
MTO: –
Ma Qun’s playing style is defined by meticulous preparation and remarkable adaptability, allowing him to excel in both classical and rapid formats. His tactical sharpness and resilience in critical situations have made him a cornerstone of Chinese chess, as evidenced by his decisive performances in team competitions. While he has yet to break into the exclusive circle of the world’s elite, his tournament record solidifies his status as an accomplished and consistently relentless Grandmaster.
GM Rinat Jumabayev (Kazakhstan)
Born on July 23, 1989, in Shymkent
Elo std: 2546
Rapid: 2546
Blitz: 2520
GMT: –
MTO: 2024 (winner), 2021 (31st), 2019 (12th), 2016 (27th)
Last year’s victory at the Master Open Tournament (MTO) propelled the popular Kazakh player into this season’s Challengers event. Jumabayev, unafraid to take risks against stronger opponents – as proven by his win with Black against Caruana at the 2021 World Cup – is equally renowned for his skill and mental toughness in rapid and blitz. This tenacious competitor might well spring some surprises in a triathlon that promises to be more unpredictable than it seems!
